Tanaka did not show up at Kleenex Stadium on Saturday. Team officials told reporters that he boarded a Shinkansen headed for Tokyo in the afternoon/evening. He is scheduled to make an appearance at the Nakayama Racecourse as a presenter for the Arima Kinen today. He will be in Tokyo for another event on Monday. Any meeting he has with the Rakuten Eagles will take place on or after the 24th. [Sanspo 12/22/2013]

Tanaka could have additional events to attend beginning on the 26th. The Eagles close out the year on the 27th. If a decision is going to be made before the end of the year, it will most likely have to be done on either the 24th or 25th (Japan times). [Sports Hochi 12/22/2013]